(HEAT PACK IS A MUST WHEN NIGHT TIME TEMPS DROP BELOW 10 C (49 F) for $3.75 extra)

« We ship anywhere in Canada ... Weather Permitting! »

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Live Feeder Insects listed in order of their Nutritional Value

1- BSFL; 2- Silkworm; 3- Horned Worm; 4- Butter Worm; 5- Wax Worm;

6- Super Worm; 7- Cricket; 8- Meal Worm

One of the most important things you can do to help ensure your reptile pet has a long and healthy life is to provide a good VARIETY of healthy insects - live feeders - in order to create a good, balanced diet, similar to what your reptile pet would naturally eat in its natural habitat, environment.

At the The Worm Lady® our worms are bred/raised on fresh vegetables, grains and high quality specially prepared chow that is specific to each particular worm or insect species. This is your assurance that, when you buy and use live feeder worms/products from The Worm Lady you're giving your critter the best there is.

In addition to getting the best quality Live Feeders you also get your order -shipped right to your door- with ourIron-Clad "Live-Delivery-Guarantee"

And because we ship Live Perishable Feeders we also give you a 10% Over-Count in All Your Orders so you KNOW you're getting more than you paid for ... and that also compensates for the occasional mortality - in rare occasions - during shipping.

Shop smart!

Get your live feeder insects delivered right to your door

Why keep on buying poorly kept, malnourished feeders from the local pet store, at higher

prices, that will often die on you in just a few days, when you can get the #1 Best High-

Quality, healthy, Gut-Loaded Live Feeder Grubs from The Worm Lady ... for less money!

Your local pet store will never replace dead grubs after you walk out their door ...

you are out of luck if the bugs die within just a few hours after buying them!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should NOT perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of changing.” James 1:17

":for there is no difference: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:22-23 ..."The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" Romans 6:23

“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:20

"The reverence of the Lord is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28

The Worm Lady - 4 Lilac Court, McGregor, ON N0R 1J0

(226) 787-8288

Customer testimonials ...

The Worm Lady!!!

Jay B. - - Chatham, ON, Canada

- Thurs. July.13, 2017 at 1:59 PM EST

Good afternoon, Peter,

Just wanted to let you know that since we found you, way back in the spring of 2013, you have been a real blessing to us ever since. Your super worms are so much better than the ones we used to buy from any of the local pet stores, and at half the price too!

Your service and quality are unbeatable, Peter

Thanks so much for the extras!

Have a great day,

Jay

Bill D. - - North Bay, ON, Canada

- Thursday September 4, 2014 - 1:56 PM EST

'Thanks for being great suppliers of top quality live worm feeders as it has been a great help in keeping my new rescues in the best fed condition, as they both have tripled their weight in just 51 days.

July 10th the littlest one was 53 g. and 10.5 in. / As of Aug. 30th he now weighs 162 g. and is 13.5 in. long.

The second one was 62 g. and 11.75 in. July 12th. / As of Aug. 30th he is now 199 g. and 14 in. long.

Thanks again for steering us in the right direction as in feeding them great quality live feeders'

Bill

Adrienne B., Inglewood, ON, Canada

- Sunday July 20, 2014 - 9:49 AM

"Hello Annie,

Thank you so, so much for your quality live feeders!

I will never purchase my Beardie's food anywhere else! Ever since I switched his staple food to your phoenix worms (BSFL) he has been happier, his colours are brighter, and his digestion is a million times better! We can even enjoy bath time now as its meant for - relaxing - and not stressfull digestion. I don't want to know what was in the pet store feeders after seeing the difference in his health from your feeders.

Thanks a million, Adrienne"

Jean-Luc D., Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Oct.8, 2018, 2:38 PM

Jean-Luc Desroches left the following 5 star review for the product Crickets - Live:

Excellent Service

Have been a customer for a little over a year, and have always had excellent service, and never had an issue with receiving the bugs alive and in good condition

WINTER 2018 SPECIALS

Special #1 - BSFL Black Soldier Fly Larvae

125 Assorted Size for $ 8.40 ( only 6.7 cents ea.)

250 Assorted Size for $ 16.00 ( only 6.4 cents ea.)

500 Assorted Size for $ 30.00 ( only 6.0 cents ea.)

750 Assorted Size for $ 40.50 ( only 5.4 cents ea.)

1000 Assorted Size for $ 50.00 ( only 5.0 cents ea.)

1250 Assorted Size for $ 60.00 ( only 4.8 cents ea.)

1500 Assorted Size for $ 69.00 ( only 4.6 cents ea.)

1750 Assorted Size for $ 78.75 ( only 4.5 cents ea.)

2000 Assorted Size for $ 88.00 ( only 4.4 cents ea.)

2500 Assorted Size for $107.50 ( only 4.3 cents ea.)

3000 Assorted Size for $126.00 ( only 4.2 cents ea.)

3500 Assorted Size for $143.50 ( only 4.1 cents ea.)

3750 Assorted Size for $150.00 ( only 4.0 cents ea.)

4000 Assorted Size for $156.00 ( only 3.9 cents ea.)

4500 Assorted Size for $171.00 ( only 3.8 cents ea.)

Special #2 - SILKWORMS

6 Small for $3.85 ( only 64 cents ea.)

6 Med for $4.85 ( only 81 cents ea.)

6 Large for $5.35 ( only 89 cents ea.)

6 X-Large for $6.30 ( only $1.05 ea.)

Special #3 - HORNWORMS

6 Small for $3.85 ( only 64 cents ea.)

6 Med for $4.85 ( only 81 cents ea.)

6 Large for $5.30 ( only 88 cents ea.)

6 X-Large for $6.30 ( only $1.05 ea.)

Special #4 - MEALWORMS

100 for $ 2.20 ( only 2.2 cents ea.)

250 for $ 5.25 ( only 2.1 cents ea.)

500 for $10.00 ( only 2.0 cents ea.)

750 for $14.25 ( only 1.9 cents ea.)

1000 for $17.00 ( only 1.7 cents ea.)

1250 for $20.00 ( only 1.6 cents ea.)

1500 for $22.50 (only 1.5 cents ea.)

1500 for $22.50 (only 1.5 cents ea.)

Special #5 - WAXWORMS

50 for $ 4.50(only 9.0 cents ea.)

75 for $ 6.45 ( only 8.6 cents ea.)

100 for $ 8.20 ( only 8.2 cents ea.)

150 for $11.55 ( only 7.7 cents ea.)

250 for $17.00 ( only 6.8 cents ea.)

500 for $31.50 ( only 6.3 cents ea.)

750 for $44.25 ( only 5.9 cents ea.)

1000 for $57.00 ( only 5.7 cents ea.)

1250 for $70.00 ( only 5.6 cents ea.)

1500 for $82.50 ( only 5.5 cents ea.)

1750 for $94.50 ( only 5.4 cents ea.)

2000 for $106.00 ( only 5.3 cents ea.)

Special #6 - SUPERWORMS

100 for $ 6.00 ( only 6.0 cents ea.)

250 for $14.25 ( only 5.7 cents ea.)

500 for $26.50 ( only 5.3 cents ea.)

750 for $35.25 ( only 4.7 cents ea.)

1000 for $37.00 ( only 3.7 cents ea.)

1500 for $52.50 ( only 3.5 cents ea.)

2000 for $66.00 ( only 3.3 cents ea.)

3000 for $93.00 (only 3.1 cents ea.)

Special #7 - CRICKETS

100 for $ 6.60 ( only 6.6 cents ea.)

250 for $15.50 ( only 6.2 cents ea.)

500 for $27.50 ( only 5.5 cents ea.)

1000 for $43.00 ( only 4.3 cents ea.)

2000 for $76.00 ( only 3.8 cents ea.)

Special #8 - BUTTERWORMS

20 for $ 9.60 ( only 48.0 cents ea.)

25 for $11.75 ( only 47.0 cents ea.)

30 for $13.80 ( only 46.0 cents ea.)

35 for $15.75 ( only 45.0 cents ea.)

40 for $17.60 ( only 44.0 cents ea.)

Special #9 - RED WIGGLERS

24 for $ 5.95 ( only 24.8 cents ea.)

48 for $ 11.75 ( only 24.5 cents ea.)

72 for $ 17.60 ( only 24.4 cents ea.)

96 for $ 23.30 ( only 24.3 cents ea.)

120 for $ 29.05( only 24.2 cents ea.)

240 for $ 57.80 ( only 24.1 cents ea.)

Special #10 - NIGHT CRAWLERS

12 for $ 2.45 ( only 20.4 cents ea.)

24 for $ 4.75 ( only 19.8 cents ea.)

36 for $ 6.95 ( only 19.3 cents ea.)

48 for $ 9.20 ( only 19.2 cents ea.)

60 for $ 11.45( only 19.1 cents ea.)

PRICING:Prices posted in this website are subject to change without notice.

PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS on prepaid orders. If by chance you find dead grubs upon opening the box please email photo same day for credit on your next order.

Why keep on buying poorly kept, malnourished feeders from the local pet store, at higher prices, that will often die on you in just a few days, when you can get the #1 Best High-Quality, healthy, Gut-Loaded Live Feeder Grubs from The Worm Lady ... for less money!

Your local pet store will never replace dead grubs after you walk out their door ... you are out of luck if the bugs die within just a few hours after buying them! NOT SO with The Worm Lady.

The Worm Lady gives you anIron-Clad Live Delivery Guaranteeon all live feeder orders

You'll not only Get Top Quality Live Feeders, at a fraction of the cost, shipped direct to your doorstep via 'Purolator Express Overnight' Service, with our 'Iron-Clad Live Delivery Guarantee', you'll also be giving your pets a healthier, happier and longer life with the best feeders available.

Buy all your Pet 'Live Feeder Insects', Delivered Live and Healthy Direct To Your Door from The Worm Lady, and you'll not only get superior quality feeders for your reptiles but you'll also save time, and money too!

PLEASE NOTE:

ONLY THE BSFL CAN SHIP ALL YEAR ROUND - IN HIGH TEMPS - AND LOW TEMPS TOO - SINCE THEY ARE HARDY ENOUGH TO TOLERATE WIDE TEMPERATURE SWINGS

All of our Live Feeders Insects, and reptiles for sale have an Ironclad Live Arrival Guarantee, so when you buy Live Feeders (or any live animal for that matter) you can trust it will safely be delivered right to your doorstep.

In the unlikely event that your feeders arrive in bad shape or DOA, we will require proof in the form of pictures or video of the dead, sick or injured product and an explanation of the situation, within 8 hours of receiving your order. We will accept digital pictures as proof of the problem. Once we determine that you have a valid claim, we will replace the DOA feeders with your next order.

You can also elect to get your free replacements immediately - for the re-processing fee of $4.50 + shipping and packaging costs (this option only applies for orders of over 750 feeders). Under no circumstances is The Worm Lady able to refund payment, and the buyer is responsible for any and all shipping charges associated with the replacements.

In the wild, common pets such as reptiles, amphibians, frogs, turtles and other exotics have access to worms, moths, crickets, beetles, grubs and so much more.

One of the most important things you can do to help ensure your exotics have a long and healthy life is to provide a good VARIETY of healthy live feeders, for a BALANCED DIET. Variety provides a good mix of nutrients, minerals and vitamins, which is so very important for all living things. It doesn't matter how 'perfect' or wonderfully nutritious a particular food might be, eating that and only that with little or no variation is NOT healthy.

Think about it ... if you ate little or nothing of nutritional value for a month and then ate one healthy and nutritious meal, would you consider yourself healthy again? Of course not! So 'gut-loading' live feeders for just a day or two before feeding them to your pet doesn't make much sense either. Do your very best to make sure that the feeder insects you buy come to you already 'gut-loaded' and ready to feed your critter AND that you also can buy and take home with you suitable food for the live feeders you buy so that you can keep them healthy and 'gut loaded' daily until fed to your exotics.

ALL our Top High-Quality Live Feeders are Gut Loaded daily and also come to you with some of our High Quality Custom Recipe Chow to keep them well fed and hydrated until you give them to your pets to eat. There is no point at all in spending money on insects and worms that have not themselves received appropriate nutrition.

For the happiest and healthiest pets, what you want to do is provide a good variety of live feeders in your pet’s diet. Feed as many different healthy things as you can find (see: feeding chart), and do your best to purchase healthy feeder insects. Buy live feeders, worms and crickets, that are already 'gut loaded' and full of moisture and nutrients.

The following Live Feeders are listed in order of their nutritional value

1- BSFL; 2- Silkworm; 3- Horned Worm; 4- Butter Worm; 5- Wax Worm;

6- Super Worm; 7- Cricket; 8- Meal Worm

(#1 being the best nutritionally - down to #8 being the lowest in nutrition)

There is a huge difference between feeding ... and feeding well. When you buy your live feeders ask yourself ... 'when was the last time those feeders had good nutrition?' I'm not talking about an old, blackened piece of potato or other dead feeders in the container, that have been cannibalized. I"m talking about proper, 'feeder-specific' nutrition.

At The Worm Lady we ensure that everything we ship has been raised with fresh, nutritious chow and that they receive adequate moisture every day. Their substrate (what they live in and eat) is cleaned regularly. There is NO overcrowding and we ensure optimal ventilation for healthy insects. It is a fact that improperly kept and improperly fed live feeders result in poor nutritional quality, and can even cause illness for your pets and added expense for you.

We always ship your order of feeders with a little food for the voyage. If you are ordering in bulk we can also provide the proper food loaded with macro/micro nutrients, for your specific feeders, at a discounted price.

It is our aim to deliver to you top quality live feeders at an excellent price, and to always follow through with prompt and courteous customer service.

Further down (below) we've listed and described our live feeders in order of nutrition - with the best being number one - the lowest number 8, and trust that this will help you in making wise decisions when you are buying live feeders for your reptiles,

Finally, I again want to remind you of the utmost importance of VARIETY in your reptile's diet. If along with your regular order you're only wanting to try one or two horn worms, or silkworms, or a dozen 'BSFL', please, just let us know.

We will fulfill any size order, with no minimum, and ship even the smallest order direct to your doorstep via 'Purolator Express Overnight' Service, and you always get The Worm Lady's IRON-CLAD LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEE with every order.

NO need to dust your other feeder insects when this is the staple diet.

Iron-Clad Live delivery guaranteed regardless of the destination weather conditions.

10% extra count is included in your package for your ensured satisfaction.

*This product is not intended to be used as medicine or an occasional snack ... they need to be provided on a regular basis to prevent or cease development ofMetabolic Bone Disease.*

Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, is a common and widespread fly of the family Stratiomyidae. The larvae and adults are considered neither pests nor vectors. Instead, black soldier fly larvae play a similar role to that of redworms (Red Wigglers) as essential decomposers in breaking down organic substrates and returning nutrients to the soil. The larvae have voracious appetites and can be used for composting household food scraps and agricultural waste products (in warm climates of 80F -100 F).

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are an excellent source of sustainable protein for aqua culture, animal feed, pet and human nutrition. They are truly a Maintenance-Free grub and can last 4-5 weeks in the larva stage when kept dormant at 50-55 F

I want to send a big thank-you for your service and quality of dew worms we received from you mid-July. Our fishing trip was so successful because of how lively and fresh the worms were. The rest of the camp was jealous of our quantity and shape of our worms.

Calcium in your lizard's diet ...

Many people believe that there is no such thing as too much calcium in a reptile's diet, especially, when it is through supplementation. This is definitely not true. Calcium in high doses can act as a binder, which inhibits the absorption of essential nutrients such as other essential minerals, as well as vitamins. In the presence of too much Vitamin D, excess Calcium can calcify the internal organs, liver and kidneys.

Calcium neutralizes stomach acids, which are necessary for the digestion and absorption of all nutrients. Many drugs have warnings to not take them with an antacid because it can prevent the drug from being absorbed into the system.

Balance is a major key.

Giving a large dose of calcium all at once is not the same as giving a smaller amount with every second feeding.

Phosphorous and its relationship to calcium is also VERY IMPORTANT.

It's generally agreed across the vertebrate world, that an inclusion ratio of 2:1 (calcium/phosphorous) is optimal. This is a common ratio measured in healthy bone analysis of most vertebrates (including humans). To err to the high side with calcium is generally much easier to metabolize than a diet that has less than a 2:1 ratio of Calcium to Phosphorous. Even a 3:1 ratio is metabolized efficiently by most organisms.

This is why the 'Black Soldier Fly Larvae' is rated as the best live feeder insect available for reptiles, frogs, birds, fish and turtles being kept as pets in captivity, since the BSFL is the only larva/worm/grub to even come near the ideal 2:1 Calcium Phosphorous ratio, water for hydration and protein as well.

to maintain a healthy/balanced diet ... BSFL is a MUST staple live feeder insect for all insectivorous and omnivorous pets.

NOTE: SILKWORMS have the lowest fat and phosphorous content with the highest protein content, out of the five most popular live feeders (Silkworms, Mealworms, Waxworms, Butterworms and Crickets). Feed a Silkworm 2-3 times week to provide a balanced diet.

... MoreCalcium and Hydration requirements information continued below on this page ... so scroll down to read more ...

We, as well, sell cooked 'Silkworm Chow' (GREEN - mulberry leaf chow) and 'Hornworm Chow' (YELLOW), to keep all those live feeder insects well nourished and fed before shipping to you - and ready for your critter to gulp 'em down!

We will ship your order via Purolator/Canada Post Overnight-NEXT-DAY ... ONLY when temperatures are between 45 F (7 C) and 25 C (75 F) for 3 or more consecutive days & NIGHTS. with our "Iron-Clad Live Delivery Guarantee"

When temperatures are lower then 7 C, or higher than 25 C we may elect to wait to ship until temperatures return the the Safe-Zone

NOTE: If you still want your order shipped using a slower service (2 or more days) there is NO Live Delivery Guarantee - your are assuming the risk of DOA grubs and we assume no liability whatsoever for any dead insects.

First let me say “Best Live Feeders Around!”... The feeders I ordered from you guys a few weeks ago were the best I’ve ever gotten. Almost no DOA, lasted, without mysteriously dying off, for weeks and any that did were likely due to me not knowing how to keep them alive properly - yet! Can’t say enough good things about them!

And my Beardie and Geckos loved them!

I need another shipment.

Really, compared to the big box pet stores, and even the specialty ones I tried here in Toronto, The Worm Lady is far superior. Recently, we lost a local Reptile Only Shop that’s been here in Port Credit for decades L (60 years) ... I’ve been trying to steer anyone I meet, looking for feeders, your way. I have sent the funds by email. Please ship for Friday.

Thanks again Peter.

C. Field, Mississauga, ON

Variety In Diet ! -What Do Reptiles Eat?

The Worm Lady's LIVE FEEDERS always come to you 'moisture and gut-loaded' to make your reptiles or exotics healthier!

The Worm Lady has been 'Green' since its inception, in March of 2013, and recycles (we use, reuse, and recycle) all its by-products. We compost all our organic waste (for use in our organic vegetable garden and flower beds). We also raise our Live Feeders on organic live foods. This is your assurance that you are getting the healthiest and the best quality live feeders for your pets - and our small contribution in the preservation of our local eco-system.

I will never purchase my Beardie's food anywhere else! Ever since I switched his staple food to your phoenix worms he has been happier, his colours are brighter, and his digestion is a million times better! we can even enjoy bath time now as its meant for - relaxing - and not stressfull digestion. I don't want to know what was in the pet store feeders after seeing the difference in his health from your feeders.

I have two beardies myself (and a new baby leopard gecko - as of July 11,2014) and they all love all of my worms, so they get a great variety of live feeders every day ... my rescue 'Bubba' will easily eat 20-25 worms in just one meal!

When you order your live feeders from me I always do my absolute best to ensure an over-count, prompt next-day delivery - whenever possible, proper and personal attention to each order, and well-fed, healthy live feeders to you - my customers. I currently provide live product to various pet/reptile stores in the area, reptile rescue facilities across Ontario, as well as on-line to people throughout Ontario and elsewhere - all across Canada - from Victoria BC to St-John's Newfoundland, Canada.

Excellent nutrition and responsible husbandry must be combined to ensure the health of your reptiles. You can be feeding the most perfectly balanced diet in existence, but without the optimum temperature gradient, that 'perfect diet' is not able to be properly digested. Reptiles are cold blooded animals so they require heat in order to digest their foods. If this temperature requirement is not met the food will simply rot in their gut and not be digested, resulting in elevated uric acid levels, and an acidic blood pH level causing detrimental damage to your reptile. Digestion is not only impaired by improper heat requirements, but lack of hydration can also have adverse effects on digestion as well. Water consumption is often overlooked when thinking about digestion, but without proper amounts of water intake the process of digestion can be halted, thus, causing serious damage to your reptiles.

If you have a picky eater who will not eat a good variety of live feeders for a properly balanced diet you should try some of the Repashy Superfoods Meal Replacement products. These were scientifically formulated to return your pet to optimum health, and keep him healthy for the long term too!

Organically Raised Live Feeders: We've adopted the policy to grow all of our Super worms, Meal worms and Crickets on an organic vegetarian diet of Canadian wheat bran, with carrot, celery, cabbage and apple for moisture, and our 'Premium Custom-Blend Dry Food' formula for additional minerals and vitamins (see our Dry Cricket Food). This daily 'organic gut-load' reduces the uric acid levels in our feeders resulting in a much healthier Live Feeder Insect for your herps - Uric acid is now recognized as a major factor for gout, liver and kidney disease in reptiles - (We often hear from people who make their own 'veggie-based' cricket feeds or “gut-loads” and that they have healthier Reptiles compared to using commercial feeds and gut-loads). See our SPECIALS - Organically raised Supers, Meals, Crickets, and more.

Our beardies love being out and about so we take them with us everywhere we go ... vacationing, shopping, overnight get-aways, or just running around our yard (always wearing their leashes, of course).

They love the outdoors, even playing in the water when it is raining, and will either bask in sunshine or climb a tree for a snooze!

Testimonial:

"Hello again Annie ... The order did arrive the next day and was in perfect condition. I would like another 200 Phoenix worms and 20 silkworms.

By the way, Goliath loves the Phoenix Worms. She is waiting by her bowl each morning for her next feeding and that never used to happen.

Thanks again, Angela"

Angela D., Mt-Albert, ON, Canada

Saturday August 2, 2014 - 10:48 AM

Calcium / Hydration ... continued from above ...

Anyway - getting back to hydration: An example of water intake is through the ingestion of insects. Insects alone can provide a large amount of water to aid in the hydration of your reptile. In their natural habitat the early morning dew that is apparent in many arid lands is yet another method of water consumption, and for the herbivores, they will get much of their hydration from consuming plant material. As you can see, besides the obvious rain and access to running water there are many other means in which a reptile can get the moisture it requires.

Reptiles in their natural habitat have learned to adapt to natural ways of maintaining proper hydration. However, when housed in captivity the reptiles are not able to resort to most of the methods listed above since they are at the mercy of their keeper to provide them with the proper environment.

Fast forward to the dry terrarium with glass sides, a screen top and a basking light … Even a desert adapted reptile can quickly become dehydrated and die in an enclosure like this. In such a situation it's up to the keeper to provide the moisture to the reptiles, and often, it is in an 'unnatural form' via misting, soaking, a water bowl or a combination of these three methods. The point is that a dehydrated reptile cannot assimilate the best of meals so without the proper hydration the absorption of nutrition really suffers. This is why Live Foods are so important as they provide much needed hydration.

Now that we understand that proper heat and hydration is an important part of the key to success I can now begin expounding on the importance of nutrition.

Good pH!

The first goal on the way to great health is to attain and maintain a blood pH in the alkaline range of 6.4 to 7.0, an indicator of good mineral nutrition. Without it, the body becomes acidic due to the gradual depletion of its mineral reserves and all types of health stresses can occur, both in reptiles and in humans too!.

Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins in reptile keeping, especially, when the reptiles are indoors and without natural sunlight UV radiation. Most reptile keepers are familiar with Vitamin D in regards to calcium powder, which in most cases is used to 'dust' the insects, coating them with a fine white powder. It can also be used in other ways, such as being mixed into a salad for herbivores, sprinkled on a pellet diet, or in the case of mixed right into the powdered diet. We believe that one of the best Calcium supplementss available in CANADA is the Repashy Superfoods Calcium Plus.

Since reptiles are viewed more as a specialty pet little research has been done in regards to their nutritional requirements. Thus the guidelines for use of these products vary quite a bit amongst manufacturers, as does the inclusion ratio of Vitamin D to Calcium. The product degradation is also a major concern and factor to consider. There are various views on what vitamins should be mixed with a calcium supplement and how the mixture of vitamins can be effected by the minerals. Although there are many views on this subject very little research has been done mainly due to the fact that there is just not a competitive market for their foods like there is with dogs and cats. To most people the keeping of Reptiles is not mainstream, which means that there is little monetary motivation to understanding their unique nutritional requirements.

photo Mar.15.2014

'Bubba' our 5 month old rescue weighing-in at 70 grams (she was given to us late Nov-2013 at 7 weeks of age - weighing only 6 grams and on the verge of death) ReptiWorms work wonders: 'Bubba' (above) is a living testimonial of the therapeutic advantage of ReptiWorms'

Many people believe that there is no such thing as too much calcium in a reptile's diet, especially, when it is through supplementation. This is definitely not true. Calcium in high doses can act as a binder, which inhibits the absorption of essential nutrients such as other essential minerals, as well as vitamins. In the presence of too much Vitamin D, excess Calcium can calcify the internal organs, liver and kidneys. Calcium neutralizes stomach acids, which are necessary for the digestion and absorption of all nutrients. Many drugs have warnings to not take them with an antacid because it can prevent the drug from being absorbed into the system. Balance is a major key. Giving a large dose of calcium all at once is not the same as giving a smaller amount with each feeding.

Phosphorous and its relationship to calcium is also very important. It's generally agreed across the vertebrate world, that an inclusion ratio of 2:1 (calcium/phosphorous) is optimal. This is a common ratio measured in healthy bone analysis of most vertebrates (including humans). To err to the high side with calcium is generally much easier to metabolize than a diet that has less than a 2:1 ratio of Calcium to Phosphorius. Even a 3:1 ratio is metabolized efficiently by most organisms. This is why the 'Genuine' ReptiWorm is rated as the best live feeder insect available for reptiles, frogs, birds, fish and turtles being kept as pets in captivity, since it is the only larva/worm to even come near the ideal 2:1 Calcium Phosphorous ratio, water for hydration and protein as well.

The importance of calcium in reptile nutrition is of a high concern. History shows us that a calcium deficiency is a common problem, especially when the reptiles are pressured into longer than natural breeding seasons, resulting in metabolic bone disease. As noted above, this situation causes unnatural stress on female reptiles to produce more eggs, thus requiring more calcium. Remember, however, that it is not just a lack of calcium that creates this problem, but a complex relationship between many vitamins and minerals.

Again, as I always tell all of my customers, a good variety of nutritious live foods is essential in the rearing of healthy reptiles in captivity. This will ensure a good mix of micro and macro nutrients with a good variety of minerals and vitamins in 'whole foods' form, not from synthesized processes, which never can equal what nature provides in organic 'live foods'.

Provide your pets a balanced Live Foods diet and they will thank you for it!

Many thanks to Allen Repashy for all of his research on reptilian nutrition ... some of the above content was inspired by him!

If you have any questions or comments please let me know in my contact us page- or call me any time at (226) 787-8286.

I can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected]. If I don't have what you want, I'll always do my best to help you find it !!!

- Sincerely,

Annie Brenner

A CustomerTestimonial

My rescued leopard gecko feasting on a Hornworm from 'The Worm Lady'

Photo by: Emily Loop

"This picture is of my 13th rescued leopard gecko! He was giving me a hard time! See his feet are orange! He was kept on 'calci-sand' - and sadly was bedded on it for 3 sheds! He wouldn't eat for nothing! Annie suggested Horn Worms and well ... this is the result! Sadly the store I was buying worms off, who actually got their worm supply from Annie, was closing down and they gave me a card to get a hold of her. That was the best phone call I ever made!

I run a Reptile Rescue here in Leamington Ontario out of my home, I own 15 of my own leopard geckos, 2 bearded dragons, 1 crested gecko, and at anytime there is 5-10 rescues In my home! You can imagine how hungry they must be! Annie's worms are the best I have ever got! Pet stores can't compare! She hand picks and counts every worm to make sure it's quality and quantity! At any given time there are about 6000 insects in my home to properly feed my rescues!

... And at 'The Worm Lady' the prices don't break the bank! I have not once had a cricket die - unless it's being chewed on by a beardie or leo! Worms, of all types: horns, silks, supers, wax or butters all are always amazing! High quality! Not only are her insects top quality but she is also amazing in educating you on what each and every single worm she has does and what it will do for your reptile!

If you're not buying from Annie I suggest you start to order! You won't regret it. :)"

Sent from my iPhone - Friday Sept. 27th, 2013 -

Emily Loop, (Reptiles Rescue) Leamington, Ontario

Variety In Diet ! -What Do Reptiles Eat?

The Worm Lady's LIVE FEEDERS always come to you 'moisture and gut-loaded' to make your reptiles or exotics healthier!

As with any species, do not feed an exclusive diet of only one or two insects to your exotics. In the wild, all animals that feed on insects will eat 40 or more varieties, giving the animal a truly varied vitamin and mineral intake for a well-balanced diet. As pet owners, hobbysts or breeders, we must approximate their feeding habits and the best way to do this is by feeding a wide variety with an exotic mix of bugs.

ALL of our Top High-Quality Live Feeder worms and crickets come to you Gut Loaded and also come with some of our High Quality Custom Recipe Chow ...

Get a Free Estimate - send us your order with Address & Postal Code to find out)

Our Qualifications

Here at 'The Worm Lady' we are qualified to supply several types of live feeders (worm/larvae/crickets) described in our website to feed all of your pet reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish with the best, moisture and gut-loaded, top quality live feeders available, to insure you have happy and healthy exotic pets.

We are registered with Agriculture Canada as a direct importer of the 'Black Soldier Fly larvae'.

We supply our live feeders to several organizations, some of which are:

What do reptiles eat ?

and also check out: Nutritional Content of Top 7 Live Feeder Insects here: Nutritional Info

We will only ship your order via Canada Post, or Purolator Overnight-NEXT-DAY ... unless temperatures are above 42 F (6 C) for 3 or more consecutive days.

If you still want your order shipped using a slower service (2 or more days) there is NO Live Delivery Guarantee - your are assuming the risk of DOA bugs and we assume no liability whatsoever for any mortality of live your feeder insects.

Please Note: We do not issue a refund on any prepaid orders.

NOTE: Processing and shipping of your order may be delayed when temperatures are below 37 F (3 C) or above 78 F (26 C)

We love hearing from you - your thoughts and comments are really important to us ...

Please let me know if the above information was personally helpful by

clicking the Like Button below - or - you can ask questions or post a comment on Annie'sContact UsPage

Customer Testimonials

Bearded Dragon

"Annie's personable nature and knowledge about her product made ordering a pleasant comfortable experience. Not just a supplier of quality feeders, but a true lover of our scaled friends. My worms arrived in perfect form, in just two days. They wiggled around happily exciting my normally very lazy, three year old, Bearded Dragon. She just loves Annie's Super Worms! Annie's phoenix worms have become the favorite staple for my six month old Giant Leopard Gecko. I rinse the packing material off with warm water and watch them try to lap the feeding bowl! I couldn't be happier with the product or the pricing and the customer service is above and beyond. I will be ordering again and again. I'm a true believer in The Worm Lady".

Holly H, in Ontario, Canada (July 3, 2013)

(Holly has been a repeat customer since March 2013 - twl site moderator)

You're more than welcome. Annie is a joy to deal with, also I know you're looking for something other then supers but hers are fantastic. Bright and big and the most active I've ever seen. Myah has been very happy

The Worm Lady Live Feeder Insects Home Page

We ship products Canada-Wide Coast-To-coast, using mainly Canada Post and Purolator Express, but we reserve the right to use the carrier of our choice to obtain best pricing for you - depending on weather and shipping distances.

You can have us estimate your shipping charges at any time before ordering by using "contact us" --> Estimate Shipping.

Replacements of DOA feeders are allowed ONLY if you contact us within 8 hours of receiving products.

Items must be photographed for proof of death and sent by e-mail to: [email protected].